Towing a Trailer

If you plan to tow with your vehicle, you should first check with your country's vehicle licensing authority to determine their legal requirements.

Because laws vary regarding towing requirements, trailers, vehicles, or other types of vehicles or equipment may differ. We recommend that you ask an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING - Towing a trailer

If you do not use the correct equipment and/or drive improperly, you may lose control when towing a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well or may not work at all. You and your passengers may be seriously or fatally injured. Tow a trailer only if you have completed all the steps described in this section.

WARNING! Weight Limitations

Before towing, make sure that the trailer weight, combined vehicle weight (GCW), gross vehicle weight (GVW), GAW (gross axle weight), and tongue load of the trailer are within the limits.

WARNING

When towing a trailer, make sure you turn off the ISG function.

✽ NOTICE - For Europe

• The technically permissible maximum rear axle load(s) may be exceeded by no more than 15% and the technically permissible maximum gross vehicle weight may be exceeded by no more than 10% or 100 kg (220.4 lbs), whichever is lower. In this case, do not exceed 100 km/h for an M1 category vehicle or 80 km/h for an N1 category vehicle.
• When towing a trailer, the additional load on the tow hitch may cause the rear tire maximum rated load to be exceeded, but by no more than 15%. In this case, do not exceed 100 km/h, and the rear tire pressure must be at least 20 kPa (0.2 bar) higher than the tire pressure recommended for normal use (i.e., without a trailer).

CAUTION

Improper trailer towing may damage the vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To tow a trailer correctly, follow the instructions in this section.

Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer. To determine the towing capacity of your vehicle, you must read the information in the "Trailer Weight" section later in this section.

Remember that towing a trailer is different from driving your vehicle by itself. Towing involves changes in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe towing requires the proper equipment, and it must be used correctly.

This section contains many proven, important towing tips and safety rules. Many of them are important for your safety and the safety of your passengers. Please read this section carefully before you tow a trailer.

Load-carrying components such as the engine, transmission, wheel assemblies, and tires must work harder against the added weight load. The engine must operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads. This additional load generates extra heat. A trailer also significantly increases wind resistance, increasing traction requirements.